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Author Topic: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?  (Read 1865 times)

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ScarThumbs

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Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« on: July 14, 2005, 09:50:37 AM »
I'm thinking about buying a 78 CB550-Four K that's in mint condition; only the muffler and tires have been replaced.  23,000 km (14,000 miles) on it. I trust the seller: he's a mechanic and he'll be helping me maintain it if I buy it.  Engine is perfect, no dents anywhere, tires are fine... ready for the road.  It looks and sounds brand new.

The seller is asking $2000 Canadian ($1600 US).  It's top-dollar, but is it worth it?  It'll be my first bike; I just got my license a few weeks ago.

If I do get it I'm glad I stumbled upon this website: a great resource.

Thanks.
« Last Edit: July 14, 2005, 09:52:40 AM by ScarThumbs »
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Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2005, 10:45:21 AM »
My fully restored '77 550K3 with 12500 miles cost me £1750 - but then I am in the UK where stuff costs!

"Muffler"?  Should have 4 mufflers and they are impossible to find nowadays. David Silver has #2 and #3 for £85 each, but '#1 and #4 are as rare as CB350F exhausts...

Post a picture if possible - let's have a look at it.  If the guy really wants top dollar then he should be prepared to let the experts have a look at it!

Steve
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douglascoolgrey

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2005, 01:16:53 PM »
Quote from: ScarThumbs on July 14, 2005, 09:50:37 AM
It'll be my first bike; I just got my license a few weeks ago.

These bikes are easy to ride, very satisfying, good looking and tend to create enthusiasts. Are you willing to scratch, dent, and / or drop this beauty? Do you enjoy turning wrenches as much as you enjoy riding? If you say yes, I'd say go for it. The price is high, but not too high. If you trust the guy and he's willing to help you work on it, you're not getting ripped off.
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ScarThumbs

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2005, 06:04:01 PM »
I'm buying it tomorrow.  I've posted this question in other forums and asked experienced friends, and everyone has said "get it".  So I'm getting it.

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll post pictures soon.
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Offline 74cb750

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2005, 08:42:54 PM »
hey scar, my brother 's 1974 cb550 is mint w/under 5,ooo miles and he has been offered $1600us forit.
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Offline oldbiker

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #5 on: July 17, 2005, 01:04:49 AM »
In the UK, a mint cb550 would easily fetch £1200 ($2200) so go for it.
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ScarThumbs

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2005, 07:26:01 PM »
It's bought.  I love it.

Thanks for the responses.

jody
« Last Edit: August 25, 2007, 05:05:00 AM by Glenn Stauffer »
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Offline Paul

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #7 on: July 19, 2005, 02:54:35 AM »
You bought well.
I've seen 550's here advertised for up to 3000 Euro's  thats nearly .....$4400 CD !
and .......they get it.
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Offline Ted Nomura

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2006, 01:14:34 PM »
I bought mine near mint with original pipes about 6 years ago for $200 then sold it for $500. Should've kept the pipes.
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1969 Honda CB750, two 1970 CB750, two 1972 CB750K2, 1971 CB500, 1975 CB550, 1976 CB400F, 1968 CL450, 1973 CL450, 1974 CB450, 1970 1/2 SL350K1, 1971 SL350K1, 1972 SL350K2, 1972 CL350, 1972 CB350, 1983 CB1000C, 1976 Kawasaki KZ900A4, 1976 KH500A8, 1979 KZ400B, 1983 ZN1300, and so on and so on...

Kelvin8

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2006, 02:30:51 PM »
I bought mine for $650, 4850 miles on it, but it had issues (wasn't running, gunked up carbs, rusty tank, frozen front brake, 28 year old tires, et c et c) I'd have paid more for a fully functional one. Still need to make some adjustments, but it's running strong now. ... It looked pristine on the OUTSIDE. If I added up all that I've put into it not to mention my time ... Yeah, you got a good deal.

Kelvin
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Offline Ted Nomura

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Re: Mint '78 CB550-K - What's it worth?
« Reply #10 on: March 16, 2006, 02:37:53 PM »
Quote from: Kelvin8 on March 16, 2006, 02:30:51 PM
I bought mine for $650, 4850 miles on it, but it had issues (wasn't running, gunked up carbs, rusty tank, frozen front brake, 28 year old tires, et c et c) I'd have paid more for a fully functional one. Still need to make some adjustments, but it's running strong now. ... It looked pristine on the OUTSIDE. If I added up all that I've put into it not to mention my time ... Yeah, you got a good deal.

Kelvin
Honda CB550K can be a real good buy as long as it's well taken care of. The only thing that I really like about new bikes are that they have reliable electronic ignitions. But I would still like to see a kick starter, as a back-up.
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1969 Honda CB750, two 1970 CB750, two 1972 CB750K2, 1971 CB500, 1975 CB550, 1976 CB400F, 1968 CL450, 1973 CL450, 1974 CB450, 1970 1/2 SL350K1, 1971 SL350K1, 1972 SL350K2, 1972 CL350, 1972 CB350, 1983 CB1000C, 1976 Kawasaki KZ900A4, 1976 KH500A8, 1979 KZ400B, 1983 ZN1300, and so on and so on...
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